In the late 1980s, I set out on a low-cost journey to the European continent with a companion. Because my travel mate was exploring starting a postgraduate program in New York, we had arranged a fortnight visit there en route to London.
We reached the student accommodation, a big ten-floor structure on the UWS known as International House. Setting down our luggage, we went directly to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, sat down, and started talking to fellow residents.
Sitting next to me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at Columbia University. He inquired what I did for a living, and I explained that I had just graduated with a scientific background and had been working on studies with electron microscopy.
He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He suggested that I consider applying for a role with them. I laughed it off, explaining that I was soon departing to Europe and, more critically, I lacked a US visa.
A day later I went out exploring, going back to the cafeteria that night. The man from Iraq approached me and informed me that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I showed up for the discussion – but right away informed my interviewer that I was without a work permit, so I was probably wasting her time.
As is common in NYC – a city where anything feels possible – she said: “We'll handle it. When can you start?” I never got on that flight to London.
I worked there for 36 months. One of the benefits was that I was granted free tuition at Columbia, and I used the opportunity to complete a postgrad program in international relations.
I lost touch with him and I don’t even know his name, but his selfless gesture transformed my future in numerous aspects. I would never have had the courage or nerve to approach someone at an elite institution and ask for a job. Additionally, I had always wanted to study abroad, but could never have afforded it without that educational benefit.
Perhaps most importantly, that role at the university paved the way for a position in Switzerland where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I am raising a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That benevolent individual redirected my path in life, and I’m forever grateful.
Can you recall the Nicest Thing a Stranger Has Once Performed for You?
From cheering you up to altering your path, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you.
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